Quick release linking clasp system for jewelry and apparel

ABSTRACT

A quick release system which may be used for example with jewelry or apparel provides a push button release that connects/disconnects the ends of jewelry more readily than conventional clasp systems. First and second connector portions are caught and released from one another using the push button release. A clasp may be on one connector portion while a fastener may be on the other connector portion so that the conventional ends of jewelry may be fastened to respective ends of the quick release system without modification.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None.

FIELD

The subject disclosure relates to clasp systems, and more particularly, to a quick release linking clasp system for jewelry and apparel.

BACKGROUND

Conventional clasp systems are typically difficult to handle during use. For example, the common lobster clasp and spring ring clasp involve having to maneuver a tiny lever and simultaneously engage a link into a void created by movement of the lever. This can be tediously difficult for those with average to large fingertips and may involve many attempts before making a successful connection. For applications involving enhanced styling and ornate appearances, conventional clasp systems may detract from the appearance since they are commonly purely mechanical in appearance and lack a natural aesthetic harmony with the article being connected. Moreover, spring rings and lobster clasps have a structure that does not typically lay flat when connected and can dig into contributing to discomfort against the user's skin.

As can be seen, there is a need for a clasp system that provides convenient interchangeability, comfort and lends to the aesthetic appearance of articles being connected.

SUMMARY

In one aspect of the disclosure, a quick release jewelry clasp system comprises a first connector portion; a fastener coupled to the first connector portion; a second connector portion configured to connect to the first connector portion; a push button release on the first or second connector portion, configured to catch the first connector portion to the second connector portion and release the second connector portion from the first connector portion in response to a user depressing the push button release; and a clasp configured for linking to a piece of jewelry, the clasp being coupled to the second connector portion.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a quick release clasp system comprises a barrel including a projection; a detent on an exterior surface of the projection; a ring link on an end of the barrel; a connector housing including a channel on a first end of the connector housing, the channel configured to receive the projection into an interior of the connector housing; a push button release accessible from an exterior face of the connector housing, the push button release configured to catch the detent upon receipt of the projection within the interior of the housing connector; and a clasp coupled to a second end of the connector housing.

In still yet another aspect of the disclosure, an article of apparel with quick release connection between sections of apparel comprises a first section of apparel; a barrel including a projection; a detent on an exterior surface of the projection; a ring link on an end of the barrel, the rink link connected to the first section of apparel; a connector housing including a channel on a first end of the connector housing, the channel configured to receive the projection into an interior of the connector housing; a push button release accessible from an exterior face of the connector housing, the push button release configured to catch the detent upon receipt of the projection within the interior of the housing connector; and a clasp coupled to a second end of the connector housing, the clasp coupled to a second section of apparel.

It is understood that other configurations of the subject technology will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein various configurations of the subject technology are shown and described by way of illustration. As will be realized, the subject technology is capable of other and different configurations and its several details are capable of modification in various other respects, all without departing from the scope of the subject technology. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective rear view of a quick release jewelry clasp system in accordance with an aspect of the subject technology.

FIG. 1B is a perspective front view of the quick release jewelry clasp system of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the quick release jewelry clasp system of FIG. 1A in use.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C are rear views of the quick release jewelry clasp system of FIG. 1A in a sequence of being connected on both ends to other articles.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a jewelry system including the quick release jewelry clasp system of FIG. 1A in accordance with an aspect of the subject technology.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are side views of an article of apparel with quick release connection between sections of apparel being connected/disconnected in accordance with an aspect of the subject technology.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are front views of a pendant including the quick release jewelry clasp system of FIG. 1A on either end of the pendant in accordance with an aspect of the subject technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject technology may be practiced. The appended drawings are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the detailed description. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject technology may be practiced without these specific details. Like or similar components are labeled with identical element numbers for ease of understanding.

In general, exemplary embodiments of the subject technology provide a system with convenient interchangeability when linking together pieces of jewelry or sections of apparel together. Aspects provide an extender that connect multiple articles together that normally would not be connected. A push button release provides quick connection and disconnection of parts or pieces that are not typically connected in this manner. Moreover, aspects of the system add comfort while connecting or linking parts together in jewelry or apparel. A connection body includes an exterior surface configured to lay flat against the user's skin. In addition, a clasp may be coupled to the connection body so that it projects outward and parallel to the skin so when connected to another article, the clasp does not dig into the skin.

Referring generally now FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2, a quick release jewelry clasp system 100 (referred to generally as the system 100) is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The system 100 includes a first connector portion 108 that can be quick released from connection with a second connector portion 102. The first connector portion 108 may be for example a barrel including a projection. The projection may include a detent on the exterior of the projection. The first connector portion 108 may include a fastener for example a chain link or loop. The second connector portion 102 may be for example a housing including a channel on a first end of the housing for receiving the projection into the housing interior (not shown). In an exemplary embodiment, a push button release 110 (on the first or second connector portion) is configured to catch or couple the first connector portion 108 to the second connector portion 102 and release the second connector portion 102 from the first connector portion 108 in response to a user 150 depressing the push button release 110. In some embodiments, the push button release 110 may catch onto the detent and release the projection by releasing contact with the detent as is known in the art. In some embodiments, the second connector portion 102 may be a clamp-type housing with the push button release 110 being a spring-loaded section of the housing that can be depressed to release the first connector portion 108.

In some embodiments, a jeweled charm 104 may be connected between the housing (second connector portion 102) and a clasp 106. The clasp 106 may project from the housing so that the flat face is parallel to the skin when the system 100 is in use (for example, a lever of the clasp 106 parallel to the skin so that it does not dig into the user's body).

In some embodiments, the housing may include a flat surface on the exterior opposite the push button release 110. When connected together, the first and second connector portions 102; 108, provide a flat exterior surface for laying against a user's skin.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, an exemplary process of connecting the first connector portion 108 and the second connector portion 102 to other articles is shown. It may be appreciated that embodiments can be substituted into place between the conventional connection of articles such as jewelry and conventional jewelry clasps in a more user friendly and convenient manner without modification to the article. The fastener from the first connector portion 108 may receive a conventional clasp 112 on the first end of an article 114 (for example a necklace end). The clasp 106 connected to the second connector portion 102 may receive the second end of the article 114. In some applications, the user may want to semi-permanently leave the article 114 coupled to the system 100 so that use (for example, putting on or removing) of the article 114 may be performed more easily by employing the push button release 110. As shown in FIG. 4 this may provide not just an easier system for connecting and disconnecting but can also provide a jewelry system that links distinct pieces of jewelry (necklace 114 which includes a pendant 116, to necklace 118 and necklace 120) to form a new piece of jewelry, the components of which can be easily interchanged with other pieces of jewelry (not shown). As may be appreciated, conventional jewelry clasps are not easily connectable so that multiple distinct pieces of jewelry can be combined together. The clasps of two conventional systems typically are not sized to simultaneously catch each other as well as the loops on the other ends of respective chains. Attempts to do so may result in bunched up connections (which may be uncomfortable to wear) or damaged clasps which are strained by holding more than one link. However, the system 100 may accommodate connection to multiple clasps and multiple rings (from necklaces 114, 116, and 118) on respective ends of the system 100 by serving as an intermediary. The system 100 allows the clasp 106 to connect to one or more loops in a multi jewelry system without having to connect to other clasps.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the versatility of the system 100 is shown in another exemplary embodiment related to jewelry. The system 100 may be connected to either end of the necklace 114 with pendant 116 to provide connection to additional articles thus augmenting the potential uses and looks associated with the necklace 114. For example, the necklace 114 may be connected by one end to another article (not shown) to create jewelry that hangs longer on the person (compared to when connected around the neck) thus changing the intended look of the necklace 114.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, another exemplary embodiment includes the system 100 with apparel. The article of apparel 122 (for example a bikini bottom) may have sections that may include the quick release feature connecting the sections together. The apparel in one aspect may not just be easier to remove due to the quick release feature described above, but may also benefit from the aesthetics of both the system 100 and of being capable of joining a piece of jewelry 124 between the separate sections. For example, the first connector portion 108 may be permanently or semi-permanently connected to a first section of apparel 122 (for example, the bikini bottom front half). The second connector portion 102 may be connected to the jewelry 124 (which as shown is able to drape along the side of the user's leg 150 to enhance the appearance of the apparel 122) which may in turn be connected permanently or semi-permanently to the second section of apparel 122 (for example, the bikini bottom rear half).

Those of skill in the art would appreciate that various components may be arranged differently (e.g., arranged in a different order, or partitioned in a different way) all without departing from the scope of the subject technology.

The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. The previous description provides various examples of the subject technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. Pronouns in the masculine (e.g., his) include the feminine and neuter gender (e.g., her and its) and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the invention.

Terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “above,” “below” and the like as used in this disclosure should be understood as referring to an arbitrary frame of reference, rather than to the ordinary gravitational frame of reference. Thus, a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, and a rear surface may extend upwardly, downwardly, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravitational frame of reference. Similarly, an item disposed above another item may be located above or below the other item along a vertical, horizontal or diagonal direction; and an item disposed below another item may be located below or above the other item along a vertical, horizontal or diagonal direction.

A phrase such as an “aspect” does not imply that such aspect is essential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to an aspect may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an aspect may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa. A phrase such as an “embodiment” does not imply that such embodiment is essential to the subject technology or that such embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to an embodiment may apply to all embodiments, or one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. A phrase such an embodiment may refer to one or more embodiments and vice versa. A phrase such as a “configuration” does not imply that such configuration is essential to the subject technology or that such configuration applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to a configuration may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A configuration may provide one or more examples. A phrase such a configuration may refer to one or more configurations and vice versa.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example or illustration.” Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs.

All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “step for.” Furthermore, to the extent that the term “include,” “have,” or the like is used in the description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprise” as “comprise” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A quick release jewelry clasp system, comprising: a first connector portion; a fastener coupled to the first connector portion; a second connector portion configured to connect to the first connector portion; a push button release on the first or second connector portion, configured to catch the first connector portion to the second connector portion and release the second connector portion from the first connector portion in response to a user depressing the push button release; and a clasp configured for linking to a piece of jewelry, the clasp being coupled to the second connector portion.
 2. The quick release clasp system of claim 1, wherein: the first connector portion is a barrel including a projection; and the second connector portion is a housing including a channel on a first end of the housing, the channel configured to receive the projection into an interior of the housing, wherein the push button release is configured to catch and release the projection.
 3. The quick release clasp system of claim 2, further comprising a detent on an exterior surface of the projection, the push button release configured to catch and release the detent.
 4. The quick release clasp system of claim 1, wherein the first and second connector portions, when connected, provide a flat exterior surface for laying against a user's skin.
 5. A quick release clasp system, comprising: a barrel including a projection; a detent on an exterior surface of the projection; a ring link on an end of the barrel; a connector housing including a channel on a first end of the connector housing, the channel configured to receive the projection into an interior of the connector housing; a push button release accessible from an exterior face of the connector housing, the push button release configured to catch the detent upon receipt of the projection within the interior of the housing connector; and a clasp coupled to a second end of the connector housing.
 6. The quick release clasp system of claim 5, further comprising a jeweled charm positioned intermediate the connector housing and the clasp.
 7. The quick release clasp system of claim 5, wherein the connector housing includes a flat exterior surface for laying against a user's skin.
 8. An article of apparel with quick release connection between sections of apparel, comprising: a first section of apparel; a barrel including a projection; a detent on an exterior surface of the projection; a ring link on an end of the barrel, the rink link connected to the first section of apparel; a connector housing including a channel on a first end of the connector housing, the channel configured to receive the projection into an interior of the connector housing; a push button release accessible from an exterior face of the connector housing, the push button release configured to catch the detent upon receipt of the projection within the interior of the housing connector; and a clasp coupled to a second end of the connector housing, the clasp coupled to a second section of apparel.
 9. The article of apparel with quick release connection between sections of apparel of claim 8, wherein the clasp is disposed to project from the connector housing parallel to a user's skin.
 10. The article of apparel with quick release connection between sections of apparel of claim 9, wherein the connector housing includes a flat exterior surface for laying against the user's skin and wherein the push button release is on a second exterior surface opposite the flat exterior surface. 